The narrative explores the evolution of humanity and its place in the cosmos, juxtaposing human development against the backdrop of alien civilizations. It begins with a discussion on the origins of humans, suggesting that they evolved from humble ancestors during the reign of the dinosaurs. The story follows a group of humans, including a biologist, an archeologist, a linguist, and a mathematician, as they embark on a space expedition to uncover the truth about their ancestry. The crew encounters Taphetta, a member of an alien species known as Ribboneers, who becomes their pilot. As they journey through space, they discuss the concept of "adjacency mating," which posits that humans from different planets can interbreed due to a shared ancestral lineage. This leads to debates about the implications of their origins and the nature of humanity itself. As the expedition progresses, the crew grapples with the discovery of intelligent pests aboard their ship, which complicates their mission. These pests, initially seen as mere nuisances, reveal a surprising level of intelligence and adaptability, prompting concerns about their potential threat. Upon reaching a distant planet, the crew discovers remnants of an ancient civilization that had mysteriously abandoned their home. They uncover a massive machine that holds the key to understanding their ancestors. However, the message they decode reveals a dark history: the ancestors had inadvertently unleashed a plague that mutated and spread, leading to their exodus from the galaxy. The narrative culminates in a profound realization about the cyclical nature of evolution and the potential for humanity to repeat the mistakes of its predecessors. The crew is left to confront their identity and the implications of their shared ancestry, ultimately questioning what it means to be human in a universe filled with diverse life forms. The story serves as a cautionary tale about pride, survival, and the interconnectedness of all species.
By F.L. Wallace · First published 1976 · Genre: Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Philosophical Fiction